Pediatric Care

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) was discovered in December 2019 and has now spread throughout the world. As the virus spreads, we are seeing some people with mild illness, some who get very sick, and some who have died. The reason health officials are concerned is because the virus is new, which makes it hard to predict how it will continue to affect people. Researchers and doctors are learning more about it every day, including exactly how it spreads and who is most at risk.

Any time a child requires a hospital visit, it can cause anxiety for both a parent and the child. This especially may be the case when the visit involves any type of procedure that might require anesthesia. Examples of such procedures are surgery, medical imaging, and certain tests to examine the stomach or intestines. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about anesthesia.

Some hospitals allow 1 support person (usually a parent) to go with a child into the operating room or other area where the child is to receive anesthesia. This may be possible for scheduled procedures or surgeries but not for emergency surgery. Check on the policy at your hospital ahead of time. Your child’s anesthesiologist will make the final decision. Remember, if you stay with your child when anesthesia is given, the purpose of being there is to support your child and ease her fears. Do this for the child, not for yourself.

Consequences are what happens after a child breaks a rule. All children need universal rules and limits about what is good and bad behavior. They need consequences to help them learn the right choice. If the consequence is unpleasant (negative feedback or a punishment), the child is less likely to repeat the bad behavior.

Children come into this world impulsive and undisciplined. When they start to walk, they begin to get into trouble. They do not develop much self-control until 3 years of age. They need to be taught safe and socially acceptable behavior.

The outbreak of COVID-19 is a stressful time for everyone. This may be especially true for mothers who are breastfeeding and concerned about their baby’s health. However, new moms can successfully start and maintain breastfeeding during the pandemic, with some recommended precautions.

To protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, the CDC now recommends cloth face coverings be used when outside. But what about children? Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions about cloth face coverings and children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While most children in North America receive conventional medicine when they are sick, many parents want to know about natural therapies too. Alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine and folk remedies are some of the words used to describe these different therapies. Read on for more information.

CONNECTED KIDS: This extensive clinical guide to the
American Academy of Pediatrics' Connected Kids Program contains an
overview of all of the program's component parts, a counseling schedule,
ideas for practice implementation, and other supplemental materials. The program
is designed to help pediatricians discuss important social/developmental issues
with their patients/parents.

A cough is the sound made when the cough reflex clears the lungs. It helps protect the lungs from infections. A coughing fit or spell is over 5 minutes of nonstop coughing. Coughs can be dry (no mucus) or wet (with mucus).

A cough is the sound made when the cough reflex clears the lungs. It helps protect the lungs from infections. A coughing fit or spell is over 5 minutes of nonstop coughing. Coughs can be dry (no mucus) or wet (with mucus)

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, significant shortages of infant formulas have occurred in some stores. However, these are mostly due to people over buying or stockpiling formula and not because of a national shortage.

COVID-19: Information for Families of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

As COVID-19 continues to spread, children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN), may be at increased risk for complications. This includes children with chronic conditions, disabilities, and those with medically complex conditions.

Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the number and looseness of stools. Diarrhea means 2 or more watery stools. Reason: a few loose stools can be normal with changes in diet. Most diarrhea is caused by a viral infection of the intestines.

Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the number and looseness of stools. Diarrhea means 2 or more watery stools. Reason: a few loose stools can be normal with changes in diet. Most diarrhea is caused by a viral infection of the intestines.

Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the number and looseness of stools. Diarrhea means 2 or more watery or very loose stools. Reason: 1 loose stool can be normal with changes in diet. Most diarrhea is caused by a viral infection of the intestines.

Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the number and looseness of stools. Diarrhea means 2 or more watery or very loose stools. Reason: 1 loose stool can be normal with changes in diet. Most diarrhea is caused by a viral infection of the intestines.

Minor pierced ear infection. More than 6 weeks since ear was pierced. Initial healing went well. New symptoms are localized redness, swelling and crusting just at earring site. Spreading redness is more serious and needs to be seen.

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are able to get support from programs funded through their state or county. Some examples are financial help, education support, medical care, job skills training, and residential or living services. Some supports are available to all children because of federal laws, such as a free public education, including special education if needed. Other public benefits are based on need, such as financial or how serious the disability is. Most children with ASD, especially those who also have intellectual disability, will qualify for these benefits.

Pain or burning caused by irritation of the lower esophagus from stomach acid. The esophagus is the tube from mouth to stomach. Pain is located in the lower chest or upper belly. Also, called acid indigestion

Imaging and Medical Radiation Safety: Important Information for Parents

Pediatricians use different tests and tools to help them diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses. This handout was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to answer questions about imaging and medical radiation safety.

If your pediatrician isn't sure what the cause of your child's illness or injury is, imaging tests may be needed. Imaging tests are used to “look” inside the body. They can help diagnose injuries and illnesses from broken bones to cancer. Some tests can even find problems before symptoms appear. Read this handout to learn more about imaging tests.

Intervention Approaches Used for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder—Autism Toolkit

If you have concerns about your child’s development and behavior, your child should be seen to tell if she needs therapy. You do not need a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to begin many kinds of therapy. There can be a long wait for ASD diagnosis, so it is important to start therapy while your child is still waiting for a diagnosis. However, once your child is diagnosed with ASD, she may be able to get more interventions, such as applied behavioral analysis (ABA). It is important to have your child seen by an ASD specialist even if your child is already receiving intervention.

All children have some laboratory tests at birth and as part of regular checkups. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often need more tests. These tests can help find the cause of the condition or problems related to it that may not be obvious. This helps guide your child’s doctor in treating your child best.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has created a series of fact sheets about different surgical and medical pediatric subspecialists to whom your children may be referred. The fact sheets are available on the official AAP Web site for parents: www.HealthyChildren.org.

Calmly teaching your child good behavior can become more difficult, though no less important, during stressful times. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers these tips for families facing long periods of time isolated at home during the COVID-19 outbreak.

School health centers are becoming more and more common. Most handle medical emergencies, provide health screenings and refer students to doctors for health problems. A growing number of these centers also offer health services such as immunizations and physical examinations. Therapies for children with special needs may also be available.

Clinical trials are research studies. They are designed to learn more about ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases. Clinical trials can also help people with chronic (long-term) illnesses find better ways to live each day with their illness.

Sibling rivalry refers to the normal jealousy of young children toward a new brother or sister. The most common symptom is increased demands for attention. For example, the older child wants to be held and carried, especially when the mother is busy with the newborn.

Most siblings argue and quarrel. They verbally fight over possessions, space on the sofa, time in the bathroom, or the last donut. On most days, siblings are friends and companions, rather than rivals. Some friction occurs in most close relationships.

During social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, you may be looking for new ways to entertain and play with your young child. Thankfully, all you need is loving attention and some basic household items.

As the spread of COVID-19 continues, communities are being asked to reduce close contact between people. This is called social distancing, and it’s an important and effective way to slow down the spread of this virus.

Athletes may deal with many different types of
medical personnel after an injury. Athletes also may be referred by their
primary care doctors to a sports medicine doctor or other sports medicine
specialists for further evaluation and treatment. The following is information
from the American Academy of Pediatrics about the most common sports medicine
specialists.

The stool color is strange or different. Normal stool colors are any shade of brown, tan, yellow or green. Colors that may be caused by a disease are red, black and white. Dark green may look like black, but dark green is a normal color.

Close contact with someone who has a Strep throat infection. Close contact means living in the same house with the infected person. It also includes close physical contact such as having a kissing relationship.

Social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 can be especially hard for teens, who may feel cut off from their friends. Many also face big letdowns as graduations, proms, sports seasons, college visits and other long-planned events are cancelled or postponed. Here are a few ways you can help your teen through this difficult time.

Tantrums are normal in toddlers. Tantrums may include whining, crying, screaming or yelling. It may also include pounding the floor, slamming a door, or breath-holding. Also called meltdowns or emotional outbursts.

Your child looks thin or slender. Their weight is more than 20% below the ideal weight for their height. However, your child is well-nourished, with a normal fat tissue layer (8–12 mm). This is measured by a skinfold calipers.

Time-out means putting a child in a boring place for a few minutes to correct a misbehavior. It’s the most effective consequence (discipline technique) for misbehavior in 2- to 5-year-old children. Every parent needs to know how to give a time-out.

All babies cry. Most babies cry a lot from two weeks to two months of age. Some cry more than others, and some cry longer than others. For many new parents, crying is one of the most stressful parts of coping with a newborn.

During certain medical procedures, your child may experience pain. These procedures can include having blood drawn, having breathing or feeding tubes put in, or lumbar punctures (spinal taps). Luckily, pain from these activities does not last long. Read on to find out how your child's pain from medical procedures can be managed.

There is often more than one way to effectively
treat an injury. Treatment programs are always adjusted to meet the individual
needs of the athlete and the unique requirements of the athlete's sport
or activity.

The primary use of medicines in sports is to
treat pain and inflammation. Athletes may also take medicines to treat specific
medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, or to treat common illnesses,
like colds, congestion, cough, allergies, diarrhea, and skin infections.

Going to the doctor can be stressful for any child. For a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there may be extra challenges because of sensory, communication, and other symptoms. Here are some tips to help make visiting the doctor easier.

You want to stop breastfeeding, but your child resists. Excessive breastfeeding means nursing more than 4 times per day after 6 months. Excessive breastfeeding also means nursing for the wrong reasons.

If your child has problems involving the nervous system, a Child Neurologist has the special training and experience to treat your child. Examples of such problems are seizures, delayed speech, weakness, or headaches.

If your child has a developmental, learning, or behavioral problem, a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician has the training and expertise to evaluate and care for your child. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians possess training and experience to consider, in their assessments and treatments, the medical and psychosocial aspects of children's and adolescents' developmental and behavioral problems.

If your child has an illness, injury, or disease that requires surgery, a Pediatric Anesthesiologist has the experience and qualifications to assist in the treatment and to help ensure a successful surgery for your child.

Pediatric Dentists are dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years. They have the experience and qualifications to care for a child's teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood.

If your child has skin conditions such as birthmarks, eczema, warts, or psoriasis, a Pediatric Dermatologist has the experience and qualifications to treat your child. Pediatric dermatologists treat a variety of pediatric skin conditions using the latest available treatment methods. Pediatric dermatologists treat children from birth through adolescence.

A Pediatric Emergency Physician is a specialist in the care of children and teens who are acutely ill or injured. A pediatric emergency physician is trained to care for a wide range of problems that require immediate medical help. These problems are often serious and may be life-threatening.

If your child has a digestive system, liver, or nutritional problem, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist has the expertise to treat your child. Digestive, liver, and nutritional problems in children often are quite different from those seen in adults. Specialized training and experience in pediatric gastroenterology are important.

Fortunately, most children are born healthy with no medical problems or birth defects. However, some children are born with differences in body structure, brain development, or body chemistry that can lead to problems with health, development, school performance, and/or social interaction. Pediatric Geneticists are trained to identify the causes and natural history of these disorders. They may suggest tests and treatments that can help in understanding and caring for your child's condition. Pediatric geneticists also can help families understand whether some conditions are hereditary (coming from the genes) and offer testing to family members who may be at risk for having children with similar problems.

If your child or teen has a blood disease or cancer, a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist has the experience and qualifications to evaluate and treat your child or teen. The unique nature of care of children or teens with blood diseases and cancer is learned from advanced training and experience in practice. Pediatric hematologists/oncologists treat children and teens from birth through young adulthood.

If your child has a recurring or persistent disease caused by an infectious agent such as bacteria, a fungus, a parasite, or other rare infection, a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist has the experience and qualifications to help your pediatrician diagnose and treat your child. Pediatric infectious diseases specialists treat children from birth through the teen years.

If your child has kidney or urinary tract disease, bladder problems, or high blood pressure, a Pediatric Nephrologist has the special skills and experience to treat your child. Pediatric nephrologists treat children from infancy through late adolescence.

If your child has an eye problem, is having difficulty with a vision screening exam or has difficulty reading or learning, or needs surgery or medical treatment for an illness affecting the eyes, a Pediatric Ophthalmologist has the experience and qualifications to treat your child.

If your child needs surgical or complex medical treatment for illnesses or problems affecting the ear, nose, or throat, a Pediatric Otolaryngologist has the experience and qualifications to treat your child. Many general otolaryngologists provide surgical care for children. However, in many areas of the country, more specialized otolaryngology care is available for children.

If your child has breathing problems, or a problem with his or her lungs, a Pediatric Pulmonologist has the experience and qualifications to treat your child. Pediatric pulmonologists diagnose, treat and manage children from birth to 21 years old with breathing and lung diseases.

If your child has complaints of pain in the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, bones, or tendons), other symptoms of arthritis, or an autoimmune disorder, your pediatrician may recommend a Pediatric Rheumatologist.

If your child or teenager has an injury or illness that affects sports performance, exercise, or activity, a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist has the expertise, experience, and qualifications to treat his or her youth-specific problems.

If your newborn is premature or your child has a critical illness or injury requiring transportation from one medical facility to another, your newborn or child may require the care of a Pediatric/Neonatal Critical Care Transport Team.

A safe and speedy return to activity following a
sports injury or an illness depends on early recognition and treatment. Knowing
when to see your doctor is an important step in this process. With major
injuries or illnesses, there is little doubt about the need to seek medical
attention. However, it is much more difficult to know when to seek help if there
is no obvious trauma or if the symptoms don’t get in the way of playing.
Many overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or stress fractures, happen over time
and often have subtle symptoms. The result can be a delay in diagnosis and
treatment, and delays can lead to a more serious or disabling injury.

It is rare for children to become seriously ill with no warning. Depending on your child's symptoms, you usually should contact your child's pediatrician for advice. Early recognition and treatment of symptoms can prevent an illness or injury from getting worse or turning into an emergency.

Whining is a verbal temper tantrum. Compared to screaming tantrums, it’s a step up the developmental ladder. Some examples of whining behavior are: A child who won’t take No for an answer. He keeps repeating his demand for something you’ve told him he can’t have or do.

To help contain COVID-19, many schools are moving children to online learning at home. In addition, many parents are being asked to work from home. These forms of social distancing are needed to help slow the spread of the virus and prevent overloading the health care system.